2027: Atiku Should Wait Until 2031, Says Ali Modu Sheriff

Sheriff Insists Presidency Should Remain in the South Until 2031

Former Ali Modu Sheriff has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to suspend any ambition to contest Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, arguing that it is still the South’s turn to produce the country’s next president.

Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television on Monday, the former Borno State governor said the North should respect Nigeria’s longstanding power-sharing arrangement and allow President **Bola Ahmed Tinubu> to complete what he described as the South’s turn in office.

‘It’s Not the North’s Turn’

Sheriff said the informal zoning arrangement, established after Nigeria’s civil war, was designed to promote national unity and regional balance in the country’s leadership.

According to him, the North has just completed eight years in power under former President Muhammadu Buhari, making it inappropriate for another northern candidate to seek the presidency in 2027.

“If Atiku wants to be president, he can wait. He is a respected Northern leader and eminently qualified, but this is not the North’s turn. The South should complete its tenure, and the North can contest in 2031,” Sheriff said.

Predicts Tinubu’s Re-election

Sheriff expressed confidence that President Tinubu would win a second term in the 2027 general election.

However, he said the All Progressives Congress would not take victory for granted and would continue working to retain public support ahead of the polls.

His remarks come as political parties and major contenders begin consultations and coalition talks ahead of Nigeria’s next presidential election.

Dismisses Peter Obi’s Chances

Sheriff also downplayed the electoral prospects of Peter Obi, claiming the former Labour Party presidential candidate would struggle to secure support across Northern Nigeria.

He argued that the political environment has changed since the 2023 election and alleged that Obi would face significant resistance from northern voters.

Sheriff further claimed that supporters of former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso were reluctant to support any political alliance involving Obi.

Opposition Realignments Gather Momentum

Sheriff’s comments come as opposition figures continue consultations and alliance-building ahead of the 2027 elections.

With less than a year before political campaigns intensify, discussions around zoning, coalition-building, and regional power balance are expected to dominate Nigeria’s political landscape.